Martin Luther King Jr. inspires day of service and reflection at Central

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Central honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 23 with the university's annual symposium, breakfast, and Day of Service.

The annual event brought together students, faculty, and community partners for a morning of reflection followed by hands-on service projects on campus and in New Britain. 

As President Zulma R. Toro welcomed the campus community to the event, she noted that such gatherings are a key component to societal change.

“This part of our morning matters,” Toro said. “Dr. King understood that meaningful change begins when people come together, listen with intention, and commit themselves to a common purpose rooted in respect and understanding.

“As we pause to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us remember that his work helped to frame discussions we are still having today about justice, dignity, and equality in American society.”

L. Joy Williams, a political strategist and civic leader, gave a keynote address and emphasized that social change is driven not only by prominent figures, but by everyday individuals making a difference in their communities.

“History is not shaped only by heroes or by people we label as monsters,” Williams said. “It’s shaped by ordinary people making deliberate choices.”

Williams encouraged attendees to view social justice as an ongoing practice that is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or background.

“You don’t have to do something grand,” she said. “Small actions matter. Listening, learning, engaging with the issues you care about. Whatever you can do, it’s the forward progression that matters.”

Day of Service

Following the symposium and breakfast program, members of the Central community participated in a variety of service projects designed to put Dr. King’s vision of service into action.

“The energy and commitment shown by our students and faculty at the MLK Day of Service brought Dr. King’s message to life, reminding us that service is how we turn hope into action,” said Dr. Joanne Leon, interim associate vice president of the Division of Campus & Community Engagement.

Service projects, organized by the Division of Campus & Community Engagement, included volunteer work with local organizations, assembling care kits for unhoused community members, creating literacy kits, and collecting food and toiletry donations for Maria’s Place, Central’s student- and staff-run food pantry.

On campus, 30 participants assembled 50 care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, which were donated to the New Britain Public Library for distribution. An additional 80 care kits were distributed the day prior, bringing the total number of individuals served to 130.

“This year’s Central MLK Day of Service was a great turnout, and it beautifully aligned with our division’s commitment to community engagement, bringing students and faculty together to serve, build relationships, and honor Dr. King’s legacy by meeting community needs with purpose and care,” Leon said.

Members of the organizing committee pose for a group photo with keynote speaker L. Joy Williams

Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium Planning Committee gather around keynote speaker L. Joy Williams on Jan. 23 at Central's annual MLK Jr. symposium, breakfast, and Day of Service. (Photo by Johnathon Henninger)

Keynote speaker L. Joy Williams

Keynote speaker L. Joy Williams (Photo by Johnathon Henninger)

Students, faculty, and staff sit at a table assembling literacy kits.

Students, faculty, and staff assemble literacy kits during the annual MLK Jr. Symposium and Day of Service on Jan. 23.